Report Section 14

The Child Custody Protection Act

Background: This measure (H.R. 1218, S. 661) makes it a federal crime to transport a minor girl across state lines to obtain an abortion with the intent of circumventing the parental involvement law of the girl’s home state.

House: Introduced by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), H.R. 1218 had 131 cosponsors. On June 30, 1999, during floor consideration of H.R. 1218, Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) moved to recommit the bill to the Judiciary Committee with instructions to add a weakening amendment; her motion was rejected, 164-yes, 268-no, 3-not voting (Roll Call 260). Thereafter on the same day, the bill was approved, 270-yes, 159-no, 6-not voting (Roll Call 261).

Senate: On March 18, 1999, a Senate companion bill, S. 661, was introduced by Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-MI); it had 26 cosponsors. On July 1, 1999, the House-passed bill, H.R. 1218, was received in the Senate and read the first time; on July 12, 1999, the measure was read the second time and placed on the Senate calendar under General Orders. No further action was taken.

End-of-Year Summary: Passed by the House but not the Senate, this measure did not become law.